Fitness : Exercise

7 Skinny Mom Secrets to Packing the Perfect Bag

So, packing a gym bag doesn’t always seem that complicated. You may read this and think “duh.” But, we have some practical additions that you may not have thought to originally pack. Sometimes you can even use household products to fulfill some gym bag tasks! Check out our 7 secrets to packing the perfect, foolproof gym bag:

1. Dry Shampoo: Rather than strip any moisture from your hair, dry shampoo will rid your hair of oil/grease while also pumping up the volume. However, you NEED to towel dry your hair as best as you can before you put the shampoo in your hair…it’s dry shampoo for dry hair. (photo credit)

2. The Two B’s: Baking soda and baby powder are my two secret weapons. You can buy the fanciest gym bag deodorizers in the world, but nothing eliminates the scent quite like the classic baking soda. If you have sensitive under arms, and you forgot your deodorant for the fifth time, pat some baking soda under your arms. It will neutralize that body odor quickly. Baby powder is a great secret for unwashed hair and a great sweat buster. (photo credit)

3. Body Mist: Although baby powder is a sure fire way to stop sweating and wick away all the excess moisture if you are in a hurry, you don’t exactly want to smell like a baby’s bottom in the grocery store. Dove actually has a great line called Go Fresh. With scents like Revive and Burst that blend pomegranate and ginger tones, you’re sure to find something that matches your personality. Readers say the scent is crisp and pure: perfect for a post-workout spritz. Check them out here. (photo credit)

4. Protein Bars: To avoid picking the wrong food before a workout or binging post-workout, I always have a protein bar in the bag. Right now, my bar of choice is Quest Protein Bars! These bars are actually yummy without the grit of most protein bars that are both low carb and gluten-free. They are ooey, gooey and substantive. Plus, their range of flavors is outrageous–the best selection by far. Try microwaving the cinnamon bun bar…it will blow your taste buds away. (photo credit)

5. Weighted Hand Gloves: Not only do these give you extra grip, but these also increase your intensity on basic moves. (And they scream hardcore girl power!) Next time you go to a kickboxing class, strap these babies on. You will feel the difference in no time. Trying a caliensthetic or plyo based interval? These small weights will work wonders on your results/endurance. Oh and hello, extra workout! Those weights have to be carried in the gym bag, so you have some more resistance to carry! (photo credit)

6. Face Wipes: I’m not super picky about brands with these face wipes. However, I have been trying to buy more green products. Whether that means the ingredients are natural or the packaging is earth-friendly, I’m trying to be more conscious of what I’m throwing away. Always know your skin type and pick the wipes based on that as well. If you have oily skin, try to get a face wipe that has more of a scrub texture and will lather a little more. (photo credit)

7. Bobby Pins with Pizzaz: Not only are bobby pins a cheap tool for crafting great hair styles, but they can add a little pizazz to your up-do. If you don’t have time to mess with your hair post-workout, pin back those frizzed flyways with a “designer” bobby pin. Check out these textured clips by Remington here. Want a little more glam? Check out Gimme Couture’s line of hair pins here. (photo credit)